Steve Hartman has long been celebrated for his ability to uncover extraordinary stories hidden in ordinary places. Through his “On the Road” segments on CBS, he has introduced viewers to people—and often animals—whose simple acts of love and loyalty speak to something deeper in all of us. Among his most memorable pieces are those featuring animals whose instincts, compassion, and courage reveal just how powerful the human–animal bond can be.
One of Hartman’s most touching stories featured Jesse, a retired police dog whose heart never retired from service. After years on the force, Jesse was adopted by the family of his former handler. What made the story especially moving was how Jesse instinctively extended his protective nature to the handler’s young son. Hartman captured moments of the dog standing guard by the child’s crib and rushing to his side whenever he cried. The segment spotlighted not just a working dog’s discipline but the depth of affection and responsibility that came naturally to him. Hartman’s gentle narration reminded viewers that loyalty like Jesse’s is something no amount of training can create—it comes from the soul.
Another unforgettable segment centered on Panda, a therapy miniature horse living at an elder-care facility. Panda’s daily walks through the halls brought an infectious joy to residents, many of whom rarely received visitors. Hartman showed how Panda would instinctively rest her head in the laps of residents who looked lonely or place her muzzle gently against trembling hands. One resident who hadn’t spoken in weeks said her first words to Panda. Hartman described the moment with his signature blend of tenderness and awe, highlighting how animals often reach people in ways words cannot.
Hartman also introduced viewers to Scout, a mixed-breed rescue dog with an extraordinary sense of purpose. Scout repeatedly escaped from a local animal shelter—not to roam, but to sneak into a nearby nursing home. The staff couldn’t understand how he kept getting in, but once inside, Scout visited room after room, offering comfort to residents as though he had appointed himself their guardian. Hartman’s storytelling framed Scout not as a mischievous dog, but as an old soul who knew exactly where he belonged. The nursing home eventually adopted Scout, a decision that felt inevitable once viewers saw the joy he brought to the residents.
One of Hartman’s most uplifting pieces featured Owen and Haatchi, a boy and a dog who both lived with physical challenges. Owen, born with a rare condition affecting his mobility, struggled with isolation—until the family adopted Haatchi, a dog who had lost a leg after an accident. In Hartman’s beautifully crafted segment, he showed how Owen and Haatchi’s partnership transformed them both. Haatchi gave Owen confidence, companionship, and the comfort of knowing he wasn’t alone in his struggles. Their connection became a symbol of resilience wrapped in unconditional love.
Through these stories, Steve Hartman reveals that animals are more than pets or companions—they are healers, protectors, teachers, and sometimes heroes. His segments remind us that kindness can be found in the wag of a tail, the nuzzle of a muzzle, or the quiet presence of an animal that simply knows when we need a friend.
